The words “mineral” and “oil” are now two of the most popular ones used in the beauty industry.
Is mineral oil now a no-brainer for beauty? Really, no.
Many traditional beauty products use mineral oil because of its moisturizing qualities, but hundreds of firms explicitly state on their packaging that they do not use it.
They also list other well-known beauty “bad” terms like phthalates, parabens, artificial colors, PABA, artificial smells, and all the other things we’re all meant to avoid.
Mineral oil: good or bad? So what exactly is it?
What is Mineral Oil?
Mineral oils are, in essence, distilled petroleum that has been extensively refined and purified.
With their low volatility, colorlessness, and odorlessness, these complex mixtures of hydrocarbons serve as emollients in skincare products.
These are occlusive ingredients, which means they create a barrier (kind of like a seal) on top of your stratum corneum to hold in moisture, stop trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and keep pollutants out.
They are utilized in well-known personal care items like Vaseline and baby oil in addition to being hydrating and having proven therapeutic capabilities.
They are advantageous for those with dry skin living in cold climates since they are affordable, lightweight, and hydrating.
They are also highly stable and unlikely to spoil because of their low susceptibility to environmental elements like temperature.
Is It Good or Bad?
Similar to silicones, mineral oils have created a lot of controversy in the beauty industry, prompting people to wonder whether the component is safe.
The assertions that mineral oils clog pores, cause acne flare-ups, dry up the face, impede absorption, harm your skin barrier, and are ultimately harmful to the skin have effectively made them the topic of conversation.
But are these assertions true, and can we try to refute any of them? To find out, let’s turn to science.
Theory 1 – Pore clogging by mineral oils
To some degree, this is accurate. Mineral oil is not pore-clogging since, according to the literature, it is non-comedogenic. Although this is the case, how mineral oils are utilized may ultimately contribute to pore blocking.
For instance, the quality of the mineral oils utilized in the products is sometimes unknown and they may be tainted with contaminants. By preventing the growth of new skin cells and trapping old ones behind their protective layer, they can also result in blocked pores.
Theory 2 – Mineral oils are responsible for acne
This assertion is somewhat true, and it is a result of mineral oils’ capacity to block pores. Blackheads, whiteheads, and acne are more likely to appear when your pores are congested.
And this is especially true for those who have oily or acne-prone skin since mineral oil collects extra oils inside pores and causes irritation.
Theory 3 – Mineral oils cause your skin to become dry.
Indeed, mineral oils are an excellent substance for hydrating and nourishing your skin. First off, mineral oils are good for delicate skin since they are inert, stable, and unlikely to trigger skin sensitivities.
They can also keep the moisture on your skin since they are occlusive, which makes it difficult for water to evaporate from your skin. Interesting fact: After a shower, when the skin is moist or wet, mineral oils apply best.
Theory 4 – Your skin cannot absorb mineral oils.
That’s accurate. Because of their larger molecular size, mineral oils cannot permeate your skin. As a barrier to stop moisture from escaping, they instead rest on their surface.
Depending on who uses it, this may be either a positive or a drawback.
Mineral oils keep your skin hydrated and protected from the elements if you have dry skin and live in a cold, harsh area.
Mineral oils, however, merely exacerbate the undesirable shine you already have and trap extra oil inside your pores, causing irritation, if you already have oily or acne-prone skin.
Theory 5 – Mineral oils harm the protective layer of the skin.
Unfortunately, this is accurate. Mineral oils interfere with your skin’s natural barrier because of their occlusivity, which causes suffocation.
Also, this may upset the pH balance of your skin, which may affect skin health, cause acne, and result in dry patches.
Theory 6 – Mineral oils do not protect your skin.
It’s untrue. Mineral oils have been shown to be risk-free for usage as a cosmetic ingredient as long as they adhere to the current concentrations of use and pose no known health hazards to people.
It’s also important to note that mineral oils used in cosmetics are far more refined and purified than the crude oils utilized in the transportation, railroad, and aviation sectors of the economy.
The use of mineral oils in cosmetics is also not restricted by any laws or regulations, which is another issue.
So far, our knowledge has led us to the conclusion that mineral oil is usually harmless to people and that its usage has not been associated with any severe side effects.
If anything, it would still be advisable to avoid using mineral oils on your skin because they still have drawbacks. As they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Apart from preventing water loss, mineral oils don’t actually do anything for the skin. Also, they are not ideal for other skin types and mostly help dry skin.
The fact is, there are plenty of different products that can do the same task without endangering your skin. Shea butter and coconut oil are just a couple of examples.
Mineral Oils and Skincare
Because it is good at retaining moisture, mineral oil is frequently utilized as a component in skincare products.
This can assist in avoiding dryness and maintaining the appearance of moisturized skin.
Moreover, mineral oil can aid in forming a skin barrier that can shield it from irritants and environmental harm.
It is always a good idea to use mineral oil on your skin since it may assist and protect it.
You must first comprehend how it functions, what its characteristics are, and why it should be applied to your skin before you can utilize it properly.
The parts that follow provide answers to each of the questions mentioned below.
Mineral oil has long been utilized as a skin protector in lotions, ointments, creams, and other cosmetic items.
Ophthalmic moisturizers and over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectants can both contain mineral oil as an active component, according to the FDA.
Chemical Safety Information states that because of its chemical stability, mineral oil has a long history of safe usage as a topical component.
Babies should be able to use baby oil if it’s safe for adults’ skin.
Due to the molecular structure of mineral oil, it won’t penetrate the skin but instead will stick to it, acting as a barrier.
No pores are clogged with mineral oil, which is not comedogenic.
However, this substance can have positive or negative effects depending on how it is used, even though it is typically believed to be good for dry skin.
By creating a shielding layer over the skin’s surface, mineral oil as a solution applied to the skin will shield it from outside impurities.
Pure mineral oil should not terrify you, nor should mineral oil-based products.
Because it does not nourish the skin, pure mineral oil generally has a short-term effect on it.
It can support both the short-term preservation of healthy skin as well as the treatment of certain skin disorders when used in combination with other therapeutic substances.
The coconut tree’s fruit is the source of the oil. Due to its natural makeup and good vitamin E content, coconut oil is a fantastic option for people with dry skin.
In addition to moisturizing, coconut oil has several other uses as a face and body wash.
Mineral Oil in Products
Mineral oil is an odorless, transparent oil made from petroleum. It is frequently found in skincare items including hair products, moisturizers, and makeup removers.
It is a common component in many mass-market items because of its low cost and long shelf life.
Mineral oil is an occlusive component that can help seal in moisture, but it is also a comedogenic one that can clog pores.
Dryness, irritation, and hypersensitivity can result from it interfering with the skin’s normal barrier function.
Because of these factors, it is advised to stay away from products that include mineral oil, especially if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.
Mineral oil is derived from petroleum (fossil fuel). These goods are inexpensive, have no aroma, do not oxidize, and may be kept in storage for a very long period before needing to be changed.
Almost all infant oils primarily use mineral oil as their source of oil.
Look for the label if you don’t think mineral oil is safe. Almost 15 years ago, mineral oils were believed to be the cause of acne, suffocating the skin and various health issues.
Mineral oil for cosmetics has undergone extensive testing to guarantee its safety.
Applying mineral oil to your skin prevents chemicals from penetrating your bloodstream since it stays on your skin.
The skin won’t even get harder as a result of this impact.
Dermatologists commonly advise patients to use mineral oils, which can irritate the body, to help protect their skin.
Mineral oils are beneficial for hydration as well as for better skin.
The products don’t include any healthy elements, such as antioxidants or calming compounds that can get deep within the skin and promote healing.
High concentrations of mineral oils shouldn’t be applied to the skin if you perspire a lot.
Health Benefits
Mineral oils are often employed and offer a number of health advantages, including:
Moisturizing dry skin
As mineral oil has such strong moisturizing and skin-softening properties, it is frequently used.
Mineral oils are common ingredients in skin care products due to their potent moisturizing properties.
Mineral oil can help if you have xerosis or very dry skin.
Constipation relief
Mineral oil is both a lubricant and a laxative. Mineral oil can be used as an enema or taken internally to relieve acute constipation.
A stool softener, which gives stools moisture to make them easier to pass, is different from mineral oil. Mineral oil, on the other hand, acts as a laxative to stimulate bowel movements.
Alleviating eczema
Mineral oil may be a fantastic calming and moisturizing treatment for skin that is inflamed and itching from eczema.
One of the best topical treatments for eczema is mineral oil. 3 Since mineral oil ointments contain the most oil, they normally don’t burn sensitive skin.
Applying mineral oil to moist skin is the best method for treating eczema. If you prefer to stay away from cortisone creams, especially if you’re applying it to your baby’s delicate skin, it can be an excellent substitute.
Care for cradle cap and getting rid of dandruff
Many newborns in their first year of life get cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), which can be upsetting for parents.
The cradle cap can be treated by rubbing a tiny bit of mineral oil on your baby’s head.
After application, let the oil sit on the skin for a few hours before gently massaging the scalp with a soft brush and combing the scales out.
Since oil accumulation makes the cradle cap worse, always wash your baby’s hair after using mineral oil.
Use the same procedures to remove your flakes if you’re using mineral oil to treat adult dandruff.
Clearing ear wax accumulation
Mineral oil can be used to safely eliminate ear wax accumulation. Ear wax is simpler to remove because mineral oil hydrates the ear canal and aids in wax dissolution.
Mineral oil can be inserted into the ear canal in large amounts using a dropper.
Before attempting to remove ear wax at home, you should first consult your healthcare professional if you use hearing aids or have ever had an eardrum perforation.
Precautions and Potential Side Effects
The use of mineral oil is typically safe. As it only affects the top layers of skin when applied topically, there is a limited chance of adverse systemic consequences.
For another usage, there are some sensitivities to be aware of though.
Oral
Some risks are connected to ingesting mineral oil. If you use mineral oil, take the following safety precautions:
- If your doctor doesn’t advise it, don’t take mineral oils for longer than a week. Long-term use of laxatives can harm the colon, make your body dependent on them for regular bowel movements, and impair your ability to absorb nutrients. The levels of salt and water in your body might also become problematic with prolonged use.
- Mineral oil should be avoided when pregnant. Mineral oils can prevent several vitamins from being properly absorbed, which might result in bleeding in infants.
- Docusate (Colace, Correctol, Peri-Colace, Surfakor), a stool softener, and mineral oil should not be used concurrently.
- Mineral oil inhalation is especially risky and can result in pneumonia.
- Mineral oils might lessen the effectiveness of your prescription if taken within two hours of another drug.
- Mineral oil shouldn’t be consumed by those who have difficulty swallowing since it might accidentally induce pneumonia by entering the lungs.
- Due to the risk of aspiration and other side effects, mineral oil should not be used orally by elderly individuals.
Enema
Mineral oil-based enemas (Fleet) may result in skin rashes, hives, facial, lip, or tongue swelling, severe diarrhea, or breathing problems or shortness of breath.
Any of these negative effects should be reported right away to your healthcare provider.
Other negative consequences include:
- leaking of oil from the rectum
- rectal skin rashes
- weak stools
- cramping or pain in the lower stomach
- nausea
Topical
You may be more vulnerable to increased ultraviolet (UV) ray penetration from mineral oil, which increases your chance of developing skin cancer.
Conclusion
We cannot stress enough how important it is to understand how to utilize mineral oil properly.
You must evaluate the way a moisturizer settles into your skin before picking it as your skin’s best moisturizer.
During the first five minutes of application, you should check how your skin feels.
That can be a sign that your moisturizer is too thick for you if you can still feel any extra product on your skin.
You should also use mineral oil right after your regular shower, a few minutes later.
Mineral oils will work better at retaining moisture and preventing skin aging if applied to wet skin.
Moreover, be sure to seal everything in by using the mineral oil as the final step of your process.
Again, we only advise using mineral oil if you have dry or delicate skin since it keeps your skin hydrated and shielded from the environment.
But, if you are prone to acne or have oily skin, you should avoid it at all costs because these conditions only serve to exacerbate your skin problems.
In the end, only you can decide what’s best for your skin.
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